Pain in right side

[RosebudRed]

Have a tender painful area on my right side toward my upper back. At first I thought it must be a deep bruise, but it is not getting better. I don’t believe it is the right location to be my liver or a kidney. I do not have a gallbladder. What is it? Could it be my kidney after all? Doctor appointment is in 2 weeks. Also, my doctor has not told me my daily totals of potassium, phosphorus, sodium levels. Currently I am using an app to track my foods and the PPS levels. But I don’t know if it’s right. I do not exceed 1500 sodium, 1800 mg potassium, 700 mg phosphorus. I keep protein about 40 g. I’m worried my guidelines are wrong. Does anyone have advise?

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I also was put on a CKD diet and restricted on Potassium, Phosphorus , Sodium and Protein. The diet was based on blood work results. I track it also. After a time I got used to the diet. It is working for me. Good you are tracking it.

[Darlenia]

The painful upper right hand side on your back can be due to lots of things, including osteoporosis (which often happens to senior women), disc issues, muscle issues, referred pain from internal organs, etc. It's important to sit down with your doctor, explain your situation, and see what he says. I assume you're limiting and tracking your electrolytes (sodium, potassium, etc.) because he asked you to do so. If not, let him know what you're doing. Your doctor needs the full picture to investigate and diagnose your health and wellbeing. If he hasn't already done so, I would expect him to take labs. That lab report will likely give both of you a lot of information regarding your bones, blood status, electrolytes, and more. If anything is out of range (flagged), ask him how that can be changed. In some cases, labs may point to a need for additional bloodwork or follow up tests, e.g. a bone density scan, a renal sonogram, etc. Often, tests results are available online to patients via MyChart or similar site - hence some doctors don't notify their patients quickly when results come in unless they see a problem. But you can always call in and ask them to send you the report. (You can ask for instructions how to access those reports online too.) Because you are worried about your situation, it's wise to ask to be seen sooner - perhaps you can offer to take someone's cancelled appointment. Hope you get answers soon!

[RosebudRed in reply to Darlenia]

I took your advice. I called my doctor & will have new labs done Monday. 3 days later I’ll see my doctor. 🫤

[Jwbak]

I had a full left nephrectomy with complications which caused acute kidney injury. My remaining kidney is at 30 eGFR now.

Since surgery I have had regular soreness and sometimes pain on my right back around where my remaining kidney is. Never had this before surgery. It sometimes feels like it’s related to my diet.

It always concerns me but so far my GFR is stable and my nephrologist says there isn’t usually pain in the kidney with CKD. I have read other places that there can be pain.

I don’t have any real knowledge in this area but sharing my experience.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Your kidney by itself does not cause pain unless there is a blockage, a stone, an infection or you have polycystic kidney disease. If your pain is persistent make sure you tell your doctor. I have osteoporosis in my L hip. If I have to stand still for awhile I get pain in that hip and radiates up my back.

Have your doctor check it out for you.

[Saint2023]

A year ago I started to have pain in my right upper back, got a ultrasound which suggested a CT scan which found a 3cm lesion and suggested I have a biopsy which was done. Turns out it was cancer and it was incapsulated within the kidney. Doctor gave me information that I could have it removed or wait 6 months and do a repeat CT scan for any further growth since it was non aggressive and slow growing. So this past February I had a robotic assisted laparoscopic right radical nephrectomy (kidney removal ). No chemo or radiation needed. I’m just over two months post op and have had no problems. I’m 74 years old and on hemodialysis since July 22.’ Get your self checked out for your own peace of mind. Sending good vibes your way.

[RosebudRed in reply to Saint2023]

I’m suffering so you can bet I’m going to have my doctor figure this out. I’m happy to hear you are recovering & yours has been resolved. Thank you for sharing & caring.

[coyote1]

Hi RosebudRed,

This is my first reply but I read posting frequently. You mentioned you are using a app to monitor your potassium, phosphorus and sodium intake. Can you send me the app information you are using? Thank you

[RosebudRed in reply to coyote1]

KidneyDiet.com I really like it. It’s free !!